“We had reached a point in history where we could not tolerate the abuse any longer, where mothers could not tolerate the mistreatment that goes on on the reservations any longer.”—American Indian Movement co-founder and activist Dennis Banks (April 12, 1937—October 29, 2017)

Colorlines screenshot of Native activist and American Indian Movement co-founder Dennis Banks, taken from Facebook on October 31, 2017.

“It is important for us to show the world we can stand together as one people. It’s even more important for our youth to see us standing together and fighting for what what is right. It shows them that they can push back against a corrupt system without being a so-called thug.”—anti-racist activist Erica Garner (May 29, 1990—December 30, 2017)

“We stand by our Sanctuary City because we want everybody to feel safe and utilize the services they deserve, including education and health care. …It is my obligation to keep our city united, keep it strong.”—first Asian-American mayor of San Francisco, Edwin “Ed” Lee(May 5, 1952—December 12, 2017)

Photo:Michael Kovac/Getty ImagesSan Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee speaks onstage during A World of Cities at the Vanity Fair New Establishment Summit at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on October 8, 2014 in San Francisco, California.

“The peoples there—they seemed like they wasn’t concerned about what happened to me, and they didn’t try and do nothing about it. I can’t help but tell the truth of what they done to me.”—rape survivor and activist Recy Taylor (December 31, 1919—December 28, 2017)

Colorlines screenshot of an archival image of Recy Taylor, taken from the "The Rape of Recy Taylor" film's Facebook page on November 21, 2017.

“I want to represent for all the females. I want them all to know that. Don’t stop doing what you’re doing. Don’t let no one discourage you.”—Bay Area DJPam “The Funkstress” Warren (November 17, 1966—December 22, 2017)

Colorlines screenshot of Pam the Funkstress, taken from Twitter on December 30, 2017.

“Everybody started calling my music rock ‘n roll, but it wasn’t anything but the same rhythm and blues I’d been playing down in New Orleans.”—R&B music pioneer Antoine “Fats” Domino (February 26, 1928—October 24, 2017)

Colorlines screenshot of Fats Domino, taken from the artist's official Facebook page on October 25, 2017.

“Remember that my view, the only true view I can see with, is through the Black eyes that I have.”—rock n’ roll music pioneer Chuck Berry (October 18, 1926—March 18, 2017)

Francois Durand/Getty ImagesChuck Berry performs at the "Les Legendes Du Rock and Roll" concert at the Zenith on November 14, 2008 in Paris, France.

“I believe everyone has a gift, an ability. Something that you actually realize and start to hone. There are people who are acknowledged as the top electrician. The top dentist. The number-one brain surgeon. There are people who’ve become millionaires from plumbing.”—comedian and actor Charlie Murphy (July 12, 1950—April 12, 2017)

“They don’t give a fuck about they own poor White trash/Just imagine how they feel about my Black ass/Fuck Christopher Columbus, the Indians was here first/And fuck the Vatican, the pyramids is older”—rapper and author Albert “Prodigy” Johnson (November 2, 1974—June 20, 2017)

Photo:Mike Lawrie/Getty ImagesProdigy speaks during the 2012 Rock the Bells Festival press conference at Santos Party House on June 13, 2012 in New York City.

“When White people play a character, people expect it to be a character. But Black people—we can’t just be character actors, we have to [really] be the things we’re hired for, which is what offends me.”—actor Nelsan Ellis (November 3, 1977—July 8, 2017)

Photo:Michael Buckner/Getty ImagesNelsan Ellis arrives at the premiere of HBO's "True Blood" Season 3 at The Cinerama Dome on June 8, 2010 in Hollywood, California.

“’Benson’ upgrades the image of the Black ordinary working man. He’s a character with wit and intelligence—no great ambition, no great philosophy. …We have not had an opportunity as actors to be ordinary.”—actor and “Benson” star Robert Guillaume (November 30, 1927—October 24, 2017)

Photo:Evan Agostini/Getty ImagesRobert Guillaume attends the world premiere of 'Big Fish' at the Ziegfeld Theater December 4, 2003 in New York City.

“So whatever it is you want, need or desire or just like to have, you better try to get it now, ‘cause this is the only time there is.”—gospel musician and actress Della Reese (July 6, 1931—November 19, 2017)

Photo:Amanda Edwards/Getty ImagesDella Reese performs onstage at B.B. King's 80th birthday celebration at the home of Sam and Mary Haskell on September 20, 2005 in Encino, California.

“Dream those dreams. …Life without dreams is black and white, and the universe flows in technicolor and surround sound.”—Reggie “Combat Jack” Ossé (July 8, 1969 – December 20, 2017)

Photo:Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for SpotifyReggie "Combat Jack" Ossé speaks on stage at the Spotify "Mogul" launch party celebrating the life of Chris Lighty at Marquee on May 8, 2017 in New York City.